Did you know it’s possible to have a stroke and not even know you had one? These are called silent strokes, and they can cause issues and require elderly care methods to treat. Here’s more information about silent strokes, how they’re treated, and how to prevent them.

What Are Silent Strokes?

Silent strokes occur when the blood supply to a part of your brain suddenly stops. This keeps oxygen from getting into the brain, which causes permanent damage to the cells.

If you have one of these strokes, you might not notice any problems or remember the event. They’re often caused by high blood pressure, high cholesterol, narrowed arteries, diabetes, or blood clots.

What Are the Symptoms?

Most people don’t know they had a silent stroke unless a doctor orders a CT scan or MRI for an unrelated reason. When looking at the image, doctors may notice white spots or lesions on a part of the brain that was affected by the stroke.

There are some symptoms of a silent stroke that you might notice on your own. These include changes in mood, urine leakage, frequent falls, balance problems, and a decreased ability to think.

If someone has several small strokes, they’ll start to notice more severe symptoms, like trouble concentrating and remembering items. Talk to your doctor or elderly care specialist if you or a loved one experiences these problems.

What Are Some Treatment & Prevention Options?

Patients can work with various elderly care professionals, like speech pathologists, psychologists, and physical therapists, to regain function. In addition, it’s possible to compensate for memory loss and other symptoms at home.

Hiring an elderly care professional for someone who’s had a silent stroke can ensure their safety. It can also be helpful to establish a routine, make to-do lists, and use a pill container to keep track of medications.

There are ways to decrease your chances of having a silent stroke. One of the most is to control your blood pressure. You can do this by decreasing your sodium intake.

It’s a good idea to limit your salt intake to about five grams per day to see results. Exercising and managing your weight is another way to prevent this type of stroke. In addition, eating right, quitting smoking, and lowering your cholesterol levels can help.

If you or a family member has had a silent stroke, call the elderly care specialists at Angels Care Home Health Services in St. Louis, MO. Their expert caregivers have been helping families in the area since 1996. They offer a variety of solutions that will help your loved one keep their independence, including taking care of laundry, cooking, and cleaning. Visit their website or call (314) 381-0321 for more information about their services and to talk to an elderly care services provider.